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CZ: The Story
written by BodyJewels.net ForeverWed Jewelry ExpertUndoubtedly
the best diamond simulant available today, Cubic Zirconia has been established as an
affordable diamond substitute as well as an important fashion staple in itself.
The CZ story began in 1937, when the cubic form of zirconium oxide, (CZ for short) was
discovered by two German mineralogists. |
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It wasn't until the 1970's however-when Soviet scientists learned how to
"grow" this mineral in a laboratorythat it gradually became popular with
jewelry designers.
CZ really took off in the 1980's, when Swarovski & Co., a world-renowned Austrian
producer of leaded crystal, began producing cubic zirconia for mass consumption.
Recently, new developments in CZ production have led to a sparkling new array of CZs in
every color of the rainbow. Gemologists agree that Cubic Zirconia is the finest diamond
simulant because it comes closer than any other gem material to matching the
characteristics of a diamond. Most people, even trained gemologists, cannot tell the
difference with the naked eye.
Like a diamond?
In appearance, cubic zirconia looks almost exactly like a good quality diamond, although
there are some slight differences.
FIRE and BRILLIANCE
CZ has slightly less brilliance (sparkle) than diamond, while having more fire (flashes of
rainbow colors). The overall effect is so similar to diamond that trained gemologists
often require special equipment to tell them apart.
HARDNESS
There are very few substances on earth harder than CZ. With a hardness rating of 8.5, CZ
comes close to matching diamond's perfect 10.
WEIGHT
CZ is about 75% heavier than diamond. As such, a CZ's size is referred to in carats only
as in comparison to diamonds. CZs are more accurately measured in millimeters, referring
to the diameter.
*A 6.5mm cubic zirconia is equal in size to a one-carat diamond and actually weighs about
1.75 carats.
CLARITY
Because CZ is grown in a lab in a controlled environment, if the crystal is not perfect in
clarity, it is simply not used. The finest CZs are perfect in clarity.
CUT
The finest CZ is cut to exacting tolerances, according to the proportions demanded in fine
diamond cutting. Finely cut CZs will have a polished girdle and more fire.
Caring for Your CZ Jewelry
1. Cubic Zirconia that is set in Karat-gold or sterling silver can be worn everyday.
2. While almost as hard as diamond, CZ is more brittle. So take precautions, such as
removing CZ jewelry when doing heavy work. (Even a diamond can chip if hit the right way.)
3. Remove your CZ jewelry before showering or cleaning, because soap can leave a
sparkle-dimming film. Similarly, remove jewelry when applying makeup and face/body powder,
as they can dull its shine.
4. Avoid touching your cubic zirconia stones; the natural oils on your fingers can leave a
film that dulls the brilliance.
5. Have your jewelry checked by a jeweler regularly. He will check for loose settings and
professionally clean the jewelry as well.
Cleaning Your CZ Jewelry
The more you clean your CZ jewelry the more spectacular it will look. All jewelry loses
its beauty if soap, hand cream, dirt and body oils collect and solidify on it.
The best way to clean your CZ jewelry is to dip it in brand-name liquid jewelry cleaner.
For better cleaning, use an ultrasonic cleaner with cleaning solution. Please follow
manufacturer's instructions.
In between clean-ups, polish with a chamois cloth or cotton towel. |
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